Do You Ever Wonder What All The Abbreviations Behind a Person's Name Mean?

Wed, Feb 25, 2015 21:08 CET

Find Out the Qualifications of an 'OTR'

AAPC authors are qualified professionals in various disciplines, certified in their respective fields.

But what do these certifications mean?

Many AAPC authors include “OTR” in their professional title. OTR means that they are a registered, occupational therapist. OTRs help people participate in the things they want to do through the therapeutic use of everyday activities. Common occupational therapy interventions include helping children with disabilities to participate fully in school, work, and social situations, helping people recovering from injury to regain skills, and providing supports for older adults experiencing physical and cognitive changes (Occupational Therapist, Registered, Licensed, n.d.). The title “OTR/L” also means that the individual is a registered occupational therapist. Some states require occupational therapists to hold a license to practice and also require ongoing continuing education. That’s where the extra “L” comes from.

To become a registered occupational therapist, one must attain a master’s degree in occupational therapy and complete the Occupational Therapy Certification Exam. It typically takes a little over two years to complete this program as a graduate student (Smith, n.d.).

AAPC authors who have gained this status include:

Cheryl Boucher, MSEd, OTR